| 释义 |
in·so·lent
I. \-lənt\ adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin insolent-, insolens; akin to Latin insolescere to grow haughty and probably to Latin solēre to be accustomed, sodalis comrade — more at ethical
1.
a. : haughty and contemptuous or brutal in behavior or language : overbearing
< how insolent of late he is become — Shakespeare >
b. : lacking usual or proper respect for rank or position : presumptuously disrespectful or familiar toward equals or superiors : provokingly free or pert
< insolent street-corner loafers >
< I will not tolerate an insolent child >
2. : proceeding from or characterized by insolence
< heard out his insolent speech >
3.
a. obsolete : exceeding due bounds : excessive, extravagant
b. : of such scope as to give an effect of contemptuous self-assurance
< the modern world, with its quick material successes and its insolent belief in the boundless possibilities of progress — Bertrand Russell >
< mastered the violin with insolent ease >
4. obsolete : not customary : novel, strange, unusual
Synonyms: see proud
II. noun
(-s)
: one who is insolent |